Does Reading in the Dark Harm Your Eyes?

If you were a voracious reader as a child, your parents may have warned you that reading in the dark can harm your eyes. They might have cautioned you against reading late into the night with only the light of the moon to illuminate the pages — you may need to get glasses if you do it too often.

Protecting eye health is important, and understanding the impact of reading in different light conditions can help you reduce your risk of developing vision problems. The topic of reading in the dark has been debated for many years, with many people struggling to separate fact from fiction.

At Wolcott Optical, we understand that you may be afraid of weakening your eyesight or increasing the chance you’ll need corrective lenses. That’s why we’re setting the record straight about reading in the dark. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore whether reading in the dark is truly dangerous for your eyes, how the eyes work in low light, the causes of eye strain, and how to avoid it. 

How the Eyes Work in Low Light

Before we can answer the question of whether reading in the dark harms your eyes, let’s discuss how the eyes work in low-light conditions.

Your eyes automatically adjust to the amount of light they receive. In low light, the iris opens wider, allowing more light in. The rod cells, which are responsible for black and white vision in the darkness, work harder to compensate for the lack of light. This can cause eye strain.

The Effects of Reading in the Dark

While your eyes may strain in low light, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll sustain long-term damage. You’re likely to get a headache, feel nauseous, or experience dry eyes if you read for a long time in low-light conditions, but these symptoms are temporary and not likely to cause lasting damage.

The myth that reading in the dark will harm your vision may have originated from early medical assumptions about eye strain. Parents latched onto the concept as they attempted to shield their children from vision problems, and the misconception got passed down over generations. When people experienced eye strain from reading in the dark, it reinforced their belief that their eyesight was deteriorating, which further perpetuated the myth. 

Understanding Eye Strain and its Causes

Reading in the dark isn’t the only cause of eye strain. If you want to reduce eye strain, being aware of its causes and avoiding them when possible is key. 

There are many factors we encounter every day that temporarily affect our vision, from digital screens and bright sunlight to focusing for long periods and incorrect eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. 

Blue light is one of the most significant sources of eye strain, and it doesn’t just come from phone, computer, or TV screens — it comes from the sun, as well. While exposure to blue light from the sun helps regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood, artificial blue light can impact sleep and cause headaches and fatigue.

Screens have become so pervasive in our lives that digital eye strain has become a significant concern for many people. If you spend too much time on the computer or staring at your phone, you can experience dry and itchy eyes, blurry vision, headaches, and more. Digital eye strain may even contribute to an increased risk of macular degeneration. 

Reducing Eye Strain While Reading

If your goal is to reduce eye strain while reading, follow these tips:

• Choose appropriate lighting: Avoid reading in the dark or low light. Use sufficient lighting and avoid direct glare.
• Opt for a physical book rather than an e-reader: While e-readers and tablets may seem like a handy solution for reading in the dark, the blue light they emit can lead to increased eye strain. When possible, turn on a lamp so you can read a physical book instead.
• Consider reading glasses: Corrective lenses can ease eye strain by bringing the words on the page into focus.
• Stay hydrated and blink often: Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and blink often to ensure your eyes stay moist. 
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.

Reading Glasses from Wolcott Optical

If you’re struggling with eye strain while getting lost in a book, reading glasses from Wolcott Optical can help. By bringing the text into focus, they can make reading easier and more comfortable. The best part is that you don’t need a prescription! Stop by Wolcott Optical today to explore our wide range of reading glasses and find a solution that works for you.